7 Ways to Secure Loads for Your Haulage Business in the UK
Content
- 1. Work with freight forwarders or brokers
- 2. Use dispatch or planning services
- 3. Explore UK load boards
- 4. Register for government and local authority contracts
- 5. Prospect for direct shipper contracts
- 6. Build a strong network
- 7. Consider becoming a freight broker yourself
- Find loads and keep moving
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
No matter how the economy shifts around us, one thing never changes: haulage companies need consistent access to loads to keep their wheels turning and revenue flowing. From recessions to driver shortages, global disruptions to recovery periods, every operator faces the same challenge — how to keep the trucks loaded and on the road.
Whether you’re an owner driver trying to find the best UK load board, or a fleet owner working to secure steady haulage contracts, your success depends on using a mix of proven strategies. Here are seven effective ways to secure freight and grow your business.
1. Work with freight forwarders or brokers
For many UK operators, freight forwarders and brokers remain a reliable entry point for loads. These intermediaries connect shippers with hauliers and often handle the legwork of rate negotiation, paperwork, and compliance checks. While this can save valuable time, be mindful of commission fees and always review terms carefully. A trusted broker with established shipper relationships can open doors, particularly for new or smaller operators.
2. Use dispatch or planning services
Some hauliers turn to dispatch or planning services to help fill gaps in their schedules. These services connect operators with shippers and brokers while also offering back-office support such as invoicing, billing, and collections. By outsourcing administrative work, owner drivers and small fleets can focus more time on operations and building customer relationships.
3. Explore UK load boards
Online load boards are widely used in the UK to connect hauliers directly with shippers. Many platforms offer both free and paid options, and the best services provide mobile apps, instant notifications, and trial periods so you can test before committing. A good load board saves time by listing available shipments with clear details such as rates, routes, and delivery requirements — helping you secure profitable work quickly.
4. Register for government and local authority contracts
Government and public sector contracts can be a steady source of work. Local councils, the NHS, and other public bodies often require transportation services, and opportunities are listed on procurement platforms such as Contracts Finder. Registering as a supplier can take some effort but opens the door to consistent, longer-term contracts. Partnering with companies already approved as contractors is another way to gain access.
5. Prospect for direct shipper contracts
While it takes persistence, developing direct relationships with local shippers is one of the most rewarding ways to secure regular loads. Research businesses in your area — manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors — and approach their logistics managers directly. Cold calls, site visits, and follow-up meetings can all help you win contracts. Direct agreements cut out the middleman and often provide higher margins and more stable work.
6. Build a strong network
Networking is an essential tool for UK hauliers. Industry associations such as the Road Haulage Association (RHA) or Logistics UK provide opportunities to meet shippers, suppliers, and potential partners. Trade shows and regional business events are also valuable for making contacts. Building relationships and staying visible within your community can lead to referrals, collaborations, and insider knowledge of upcoming opportunities.
7. Consider becoming a freight broker yourself
If you’ve tried other methods but still struggle to secure enough work, you might consider becoming a freight broker. This requires training, compliance knowledge, and strong shipper contacts, but it can give you direct control over sourcing loads and potentially create a new revenue stream. While more complex, for some operators this step represents the next stage of business growth.
In addition to the above listed strategies, many hauliers benefit from online hubs and industry portals that consolidate resources, news, and load opportunities in one place. Staying active in these communities can help you spot trends, share insights, and access practical advice on running a profitable fleet.
Find loads and keep moving
Finding loads is job one – the next challenge is to keep your trucks moving with reliable cash flow to support operational expenses such as fuel, driver wages, maintenance and repair costs. To ensure consistent cash flow despite slow paying customers, many haulage companies depend on specialty financing solutions to maintain access to working capital.
The following are popular cash flow and risk mitigating solutions to ensure operating funds are available to keep trucks moving:
- Invoice finance: Converts outstanding invoices into immediate cash in hand while the funder waits for your customers to pay in 30, 60, 0r 90 days. The funder manages your sales ledger and collections for you so you can focus on growing your business.
- Invoice discounting: Similar to invoice finance, except the haulage company retains control of collections. This allows for fast funding at a lower cost.
- Bad debt protection: The impact of a bad debt could have a significant effect on your business cashflow. Bad debt protection ensures your haulage company receives funds if a customer defaults on invoice payment.
Ensuring regular cash flow is essential to sustain continuous operations, maintain reliable pick up and delivery schedules, and support robust customer service. These are all essential aspects to help acquire new loads and build growth.
Conclusion
Just like marketing any business, finding loads is about testing different approaches to see what works best for you. Load boards and brokers provide quick wins, while prospecting and networking build long-term stability. Whichever route you choose, consistency is key.
And when it comes to keeping cash flowing, specialty financing can provide immediate payment on your invoices so you can cover fuel, wages, and maintenance without waiting on long customer payment terms.
Contact us today to learn how our funding solutions support UK hauliers with fast, flexible financing solutions to help build and keep your business moving.
Key Takeaways
- Haulage companies need consistent access to loads to keep their wheels turning and revenue flowing. Success depends on using a mix of proven strategies to acquire loads.
- Load boards and brokers provide quick wins, while prospecting and networking build long-term stability.
- This article presents seven effective ways to secure freight and grow your business.
eCapital UK
eCapital Commercial Finance (eCapital) is a leading invoice financier providing funding facilities up to £4m to support the growth of SMEs through the provision of flexible working capital facilities. With five fully functional UK regional offices, its local teams are uniquely placed to respond promptly and purposefully to the cashflow needs of its clients. The business has grown significantly since its launch in 2001, providing over £12 billion of funding to businesses. It is majority owned by eCapital, a US based financial services business with interests in the USA and Canada.
